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“The Ark: A Tale of Two Halves, Timey-Wimey Twists, and Space-Covid Chaos”

The Ark stands as an intriguing blend of science fiction concepts, socio-political allegory, and a dash of comedic charm. While uneven in its execution, the story's dual-structured narrative and unique setting offer a compelling (if not entirely satisfying) classic Doctor Who adventure.

The Premise: Humanity's Great Escape and an Unforeseen Twist

The TARDIS crew lands on an interstellar ark, humanity’s last hope as the remnants of Earth journey to a new planet. The early episodes establish the ark as a marvel of scale and ambition, with Earth’s human and Monoid inhabitants coexisting as masters and servants. A simple but effective twist occurs when Dodo inadvertently spreads a common cold—deadly to a population without immunity.

However, the most striking narrative shift comes in the second half, where the TARDIS returns to the ark centuries later. The Monoids, now oppressive rulers, have overthrown their human counterparts. This unexpected time jump cleverly examines the unintended consequences of the TARDIS crew’s earlier actions, showcasing the ripple effects of time travel—a theme rarely explored in early Doctor Who.

Strengths: Ambition, Atmosphere, and an Unforgettable Cliffhanger

The standout aspect of The Ark is its bold structure. The transition from a survival tale to a political allegory about oppression and rebellion elevates the narrative. The cliffhanger at the end of Part Two—revealing a Monoid statue where a human one once stood—is one of the Hartnell era’s most memorable moments, epitomising the story’s theme of change across time.

Director Michael Imison deserves praise for his innovative use of forced perspective and miniatures, creating an impressive sense of scale on a limited budget. The ark’s interiors feel expansive and lived-in, while the lush jungle-like opening sequence sets a compelling mood.

Peter Purves (Steven) delivers a solid performance, particularly during the trial scene in Part Two, where his character’s intelligence and resolve shine. Jackie Lane’s Dodo, while divisive, brings energy and confidence to the story—even if her overconfidence occasionally grates.

Weaknesses: Underdeveloped Ideas and Mediocre Execution

Despite its ambition, The Ark falters in its execution. Many of its sci-fi concepts—miniaturised humans, a deadly virus, invisible aliens—are tantalising but underexplored. The Refusians, for instance, are intriguing as invisible beings but ultimately feel more like a plot device than a fully realised element of the story.

The Monoids, while conceptually interesting, are hampered by unconvincing design and inconsistent characterisation. Their transformation from mute servants to verbose tyrants is compelling in theory but falls flat due to wooden dialogue and lacklustre performances. Monoid One, the story’s main antagonist, is one of the least memorable villains of the Hartnell era, relying on staccato acting and clichéd power-hungry motives.

The pacing, while brisk overall, stumbles in the final act. The bomb subplot, introduced as a ticking-clock dilemma, fails to generate the urgency it requires, leading to an anticlimactic conclusion.

Themes: Consequence and Coexistence

The Ark shines in its exploration of the consequences of time travel and the fragile dynamics of coexistence. The story’s moral—how the oppressed can become oppressors—is a timeless allegory that resonates beyond the confines of its era. However, these themes are often overshadowed by the story’s uneven tone and lack of depth in its secondary characters.

Performances and Production

William Hartnell is back to his familiar form, delivering a mix of charm, frustration, and occasional line flubs. His Doctor’s confusion over the TARDIS rematerialising in the same place—a rarity in the series—adds a touch of humour and showcases his resourcefulness when faced with a trial or scientific challenge.

Special credit goes to the production team for their ambitious design work. The ark’s sets and the decision to use a real elephant (even at the cost of the director’s job) lend the story a sense of grandeur.

📝Verdict: 68/100

The Ark is a bold experiment in storytelling, with its dual-structured narrative and thought-provoking themes setting it apart from other Hartnell-era tales. However, its underdeveloped ideas, lacklustre villains, and uneven pacing hold it back from greatness.

Random Observations:

• Well, I love that the Doctor finally admits that he can’t get his companions home even if he wanted to—it took him almost three whole seasons to realise this.
• A shout out to Michael Shear, who makes his Doctor Who debut as Rhos in this story. He would later return in a more prominent guest role as Scarman in Pyramids of Mars and as Lowe in The Invisible Enemy—and he’d also appear in the Big Finish audio The Stones of Venice alongside Paul McGann.